Bengkulu and Tolerance

The topic on tolerance is always interesting. There are facts and analysis that continue to grow. We may compliment an area with its harmony among its inhabitants but we may also be concerned about the fading of familiarity in one area showing intolerance. In Bengkulu, tolerance was once again discussed. The discussion was carried out to look back the journey of harmony in the province at the west coast of Sumatra.

Yohanes Dian Alpasa, the Multiplicator of Stube-HEMAT in Bengkulu admitted that he did not pay much attention to tolerance situation in this area. For the topic of strengthening individual skills of Stube-HEMAT participants was still the priority and as if this topic is set aside even though it is very important to discuss.

Fortunately Stube-HEMAT Bengkulu has a student who want to explore the topic of tolerance. Yedija Manullang was appointed to observe the process of tolerance's life in Bengkulu. Within one month, namely in July 2019, Yedija made observations and talked directly with several figures in Bengkulu. The figures  area from academics, local village officials and council of churches in Bengkulu (PGIW Bengkulu).

Jonny Simamora, S.H., M.Hum,
Law Lecturer at Bengkulu State University

Rev. Pakkat Sitinjak, S.Th.
Chairman of churches
in Bengkulu (PGIW)

Cak Komarudin, Head of
housing group and
community leaders at
rear UNIB

The results of the conversation were discussed with friends of Stube-HEMAT in Bengkulu. The responses of the participants were varied, some were enthusiastic and some were relaxed in responding. The event itself was held on July 31, 2019 in Bengkulu city.

Hosani Ramos Hutapea introduced Stube-HEMAT in Indonesia. She also shared her three years experience with Stube-HEMAT Bengkulu. There are many student communities and groups, either spiritual or secular activities are thriving. However, Stube-HEMAT still tries to offer a new way of discussion where the paticipants not only discussing but also implementing. Moreover there is also opportunity for the students to be sent outside Bengkulu to study more.

Yedija Manullang then opened a story sharing session. He started the presentation with a real story based on data from Setara Institute. Indeed, some regions, including Jakarta, have a high level of intolerance. But we are grateful that there are still areas that are able to maintain diversity and harmony. Difference is not a barrier for living together.

Based on Yedija's information and observations, he found that there were two types of tolerance. Internal and external tolerance. Internal tolerance is tolerance among Christians and the church. External tolerance is tolerance among people of different religion. The churches in Bengkulu have tried to introduce themselves to each other. According to Yedija, the conflict begins when one church feels better than another. The church does not want to recognize others. Nowadays, churches are trying to get closer and get along to create atmosphere of getting to know one another.

The discussion topic is expected to be distributed in training on Multicultural and Inter-religion dialogue in Yogyakarta, August 2019. With the existence of Stube-HEMAT Bengkulu, young people have forum for discussion and interaction so that cooperation between young people is expected to be stronger in maintaining tolerance especially in Bengkulu. (YDA).